Step into the world together!
Day of International Cooperation and Exchange 2012
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On November 18 (Sun), 2012, thirty-one international exchange and cooperation events were held at International Conference Center Hiroshima, the nature strip on Peace Boulevard, and other venues.
This year marked the 13th time that the event has been held, and attracted a total of 6,850 visitors.
Participants learned in a fun way about international exchange and cooperation (sponsors: 2012 International Day of Cooperation and Exchange Executive Committee, comprising seventy organizations including this Foundation and Hiroshima City).
☆ "Chikyu no Stage 4" － The long trip home and the future after the disaster
This year once again Mr. Norihiko Kuwayama, a psychiatrist with a practice in Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture, who is involved in international medical aid activities, played the role of guide.
Using commentary and enlarged images, Mr. Kuwayama described various incidents happening in Japan and around the world.
① Java Earthquake rescue
Local children had lost all hope as a result of the damage they suffered from the major earthquake that hit Indonesia in May, 2006.
Mr. Kuwayama showed images of how he used music to bond emotionally with the children, who then spoke to him about their hopes for the future.
Through this he conveyed the tragedy of the damage caused by natural disasters and the noble courage of those who overcome and move on from such tragedy.
② Around Japan by bicycle
Mr. Kuwayama described the bicycle trip he made around Japan as a soul-searching exercise.
He spoke of the many people he met along the way and his interaction with his family who met with him when he returned after his trip.
He related anecdotes that made him realize that rather than surviving on one's own, it is important to live together with those around us.
③ Future after the disaster
Mr. Kuwayama spoke of the current state in the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake,
including his activities to care for the emotional health of sick children in Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture,
and the efforts of the members of the association for the deceased from Yuriage Elementary School, who have overcome their grief to take their first steps forward.
The audience was deeply affected by Mr. Kuwayama's message and many were moved to tears.
☆ Something must be done! Project－Talk Show
A talk session was held on the "Something must be done! Project", the aim of which is to promote throughout Japan the importance of international cooperation activities, including those of JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency).
A JICA international cooperation reporter and overseas teacher training participants from Hiroshima and Shimane who had visited developing nations (four people in total), each spoke about their visits, and held a talk session on the topic of what kind of international cooperation is required from now on.
This was followed by a report by Ms. Maki Hamanaga from Hiroshima City's JICA desk.
She spoke about the local people's response and JICA members' comments regarding JICA's Overseas Atomic Bomb Exhibition that was held for the 100th time this year.
☆ "Do you know? About the returnees from China…?"
This year, the Chugoku/Shikoku Branch of The Support and Communications Centers for People Returning from China, who support Japanese returnees from China, participated in the event for the first time.
Panels and other displays were used to describe in a simple way the current state of returnees from China.
In addition to the displays, there were also participant-oriented sections organized, where people could try "Chinese knotting", and take photos wearing Tai Chi outfits and other costumes.
The event was hugely popular.
Visitors enjoyed interacting with returnees from China through this event.
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☆ World Kitchen and International Craft Bazaar
Various foods from countries around the world prepared by twenty organizations were on sale in the nature strip on Peace Boulevard on the south side of International Conference Center Hiroshima, named Hiroshima International Village World Kitchen.
At the International Craft Bazaar, fourteen organizations sold a variety of international crafts and other objects.
Both events attracted many visitors.
Proceeds from the two events will go towards the international cooperation activities of the participating organizations.
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Enjoying the World Kitchen
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Trying English-language debating
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☆ International exchange and cooperation activities
Approximately twenty-five organizations, including civic groups, universities and corporations, set up booths where they explained their respective international exchange and cooperation activities.
Visitors commented that this was their first opportunity to learn that there are so many international exchange and cooperation organizations in Hiroshima.
☆ Introduction/Experience of Japanese traditional culture
This event is popular with non-Japanese visitors every year, and once again sections were set up for participants to try on kimonos, and experience tea ceremony, ikebana flower arrangement, and hand-drawn Yuzen dyeing.
This was an opportunity for non-Japanese visitors to experience Japanese culture, and Japanese visitors to reacquaint themselves with the wonderful elements of their own culture.
In addition to these events there was also a quiz rally, where participants could win a present by going around the event venue and answering questions,
events for families to enjoy, a visa and legal advice section for non-Japanese visitors, an event to support children from developing nations by donating keyboard harmonicas and foreign currency coins, and more.
Each venue was bustling with people.
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Naka Ward’s mascot, Nakachan, joins in the international exchange activities
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Many students who helped with the event as volunteers commented on how much they enjoyed the day and said that they would like to do it again next year.
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(Hiroshima City International House)
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